Worst Uni Combo…Time To Vote

By Phil Hecken, on June 12th, 2010

By Phil Hecken, with UW Pollster, James Huening

A couple weekends ago, James T. Huening and I suggested a number of worst uniform combinations in the history of sport, and asked you for your suggestions for those we may have missed. You came through with flying colors, no pun intended.

Today, we’re back to vote upon those suggestions, and we need you to help determine the worst ever combination. To refresh, the worst combination isn’t necessarily the worst uniform of all time (that honor goes to the Caribous (sic) of Colorado), but the worst pairing of pants and jersey out of several possible combinations. We have lots of nominations, and you can vote for up to three. And while “worst” is always a matter of taste, we think you’ll agree that what follows is pretty bad. Please note that at the end of the poll, there is an “OTHER” option — use that to ‘go off the board’ if you feel there’s a combination that is worse than those listed.

So with that, here are your candidates for the “honor” of “Worst Uniform Combination” of all time (you may click on the picture for a larger version, if you dare):

Thanks for participating. We’ll be back in a week or two with the results. Big thanks, as always, to JTH for setting up the poll.

~~~~~~~~~~

A Uni Watch Research Project that’s fun for the whole family:

Several of our readers, myself among them, are “uniform trackers.” Others are uniform historians. Today, I’m joined by Jerry Wolper, who posts as “Burgh Fan” who’s undertaking a bit of both. You see, Jerry is on a quest to literally “back track” the uniforms worn by the “Bumblebee Bucs” of the late 1970s-early 1980s (specifically, 1977 through 1983). We’re aware the Bucs wore at least 10 different uniform combinations (cap/jersey/pants/stirrups), but it is possible they wore more. And Jerry wants to document them all. But a project of this magnitude, a most worthy one, may require a bit of assistance from the Uni Watch faithful.

I’ll let Jerry explain:

~~~

Buc Trackerby Jerry Wolper

I’ve started the Buc Tracker project of listing what colors the Pirates wore from 1977-83.

The good news is that the two Pittsburgh newspapers of the time have their archives available via the Google News Archive. Unfortunately, not every issue is there, there were games where photos didn’t run, and, of course, not every photo includes the whole uniform. Since they only had one set of (gold) helmets, we can’t pull cap colors from photos when they’re on offense. It’s also unfortunate that the only other paper from a National League city that’s similarly archived is the Montreal Gazette. (The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Chicago Tribune have paid archives available, but all I’m willing to invest right now is time.)

I’ve gotten through the archives of the Pittsburgh papers for 1977 and found:

• They did wear the striped whites on the road that year.

• Obviously, multiplying three colors of jersey by three colors of pants gives us nine combinations. My recollection is that after 1977, they always wore the black cap with the white jersey, and the black stirrups with the white pants, and I’ll stand by that until I see evidence to the contrary. In 1977, though, they’d wear either color accessory next to the white. (For simplicity’s sake, I’m calling the striped shirts and pants from ’77-’79 “white”.) I’ve seen these combinations as well as the standard nine:

If you want to help, or just have questions, you can E-mail me. I’m putting this all in spreadsheets on Google docs, so that anyone with a Gmail account can collaborate. When this is finished, we should be able to add a page to this blog so that people who wonder what the Pirates wore in that ’78 game they saw against the Mets can look it up.

~~~

Thanks Jerry. Like I said, a very worthy undertaking and one with which I hope you get lots of assistance. E-mail Jerry directly (or me) if you’re interested.

~~~~~~~~~~

I guess the boys didn’t realize the World Cup is on the telly…Here’s Rick:

As the NHL and NBA finally wind down, life sometimes can be reduced to an empty search for something on TV between baseball games. All those channels and nuthin’ on. Didn’t Springsteen write a song about that? Well, there’s always Daunte Culpepper and the UFL, I guess.

It should come as no surprise that this baseball purist detests Interleague Play (“interplague”), and there are many reasons I needn’t get into that I do. Suffice it to say that what may once have been kind of a fun novelty is basically worthless nowadays. Sure, there are a few good games here and there, especially between “natural” rivals, but the expanded Interplague format has, for example, the Mets playing as many games against the Yankees as they play against the Padres — a team who they could possibly be fighting for a Wild Card (another thing I hate) berth come this fall. But for the most part, the novelty has run it’s course and we’re reduced to such thrilling matchups as Blue Jays versus Rockies and Nationals versus Tigers. Yeah — those are big rivalries.

Anyway, over the past few years, my biggest peeve with Interplague has been the fact that it seems a license for at least one team to break out the softball tops — maybe it isn’t any more common (I’m not tracking every team) than “normal,” but it sure seems that for every Interleague series, one of the teams will feature a dark colored alt.

Don’t believe me? Yesterday, there were 14 interleague games. In 10 (yes TEN) of them, at least one team wore the dark alt. Now, I’m *sure* some of the following 10 games feature a team who *usually* goes with the *dark alt* on either a semi-regular basis, has a starting pitcher who favors them, or it’s just *Friday*…but here were yesterday’s interleague offenders:

• Marlins v Rays: In the battle for Florida, the Rays win the uni matchup. But in a slugfest, the Marlins win the game.

• Rockies v Jays: I’d say there was a pretty good chance one of these teams will be in black every day. Of course, since Jiminez tossed his no-no, the black vest is a given.

Of course, the preceding nine games featured one alternate-toting team. But the tenth game actually featured a TRUE softball matchup…

• Giants v A’s: Green over gray versus orange over cream. Visually, not a treat. Especially since hunter and traffic cone go so well together. C’mon fellas, one colored top is bad enough, right? (Thanks to Brinke Guthrie for the screen grab.)

Maybe the numbers won’t be so lopsided (10 out of 14) today and Sunday. But it just seems like teams go out of their way to sport their alternate tops when the leagues meet and greet. I certainly won’t be surprised to see at least one game each day with BOTH teams in their dark alts.

Interplague sucks.

~~~~~~~~~~

Li’l Help?

Since it appears our man on the street, Jim Vilk won’t be getting his interwebs back in time to assist with tomorrow’s planned “5 & 1” (that’s the five best and one worst) uniform matchup for the World Cup, I’m looking for a volunteer(s)UPDATE: I’ve got my volunteers. Anyone who is familar with Jim’s inimitable style and wit knows that during the college football season and the olympics, his 5&1’s are a waste of column spacelike nails on a chalkboard a welcome treat.

If anyone has interest in subbing for Jim to coordinate a “5 & 1,” World Cup edition, for tomorrow, Give Me a Shout. Otherwise, I may have to do it myself…and we don’t want that, do we? We’re all set for tomorrow. Thanks to the gentlemen who replied.

Thanks to Pacific Rim Correspondent Jeremy Brahm for the graphic — which, by the way, contains something many of us many not know: “The World Cup ball for each match has the country names on the ball,” says Jeremy. That one is France vs. Uruguay. In the words of the late, great Johnny Carson…”I did not know that.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Guess The Game From The Scoreboard: Bit of a twist to the traditional GTG today. No scoreboard. Well, there’s a scoreboard, but it’s not displaying any scores. Hmmm. Might take a second, but you should be able to figure it out. Ready? Guess The Game From The Scoreboard Date, location and final score, please, and be sure to link to your answer. And, as always, if you enjoy the game, please send me some new scoreboards! Drop me a line. Thanks!

~~~~~~~~~~

A Few Words From Ben…

Every Friday, it seems, around one in the morning, Uni Watch Stalwart Ben Traxel posts some pretty genius musings for uni (and other) related events for the week. Since he posts so late in the evening, very few of us get to actually read these little thoughts. Well, no longer. Here’s the first installment of “Ben’s Musings”. Here’s Ben:

~~~

Friday Missive

• Three leagues I simply CANNOT get enough of: ABA, WFL, WHA.

• Paczki unpopular? Welllllll…I own 25 different stirrup styles, and none are Paczki. Just not on my diet.

• Guys getting traded just to immediately retire on a certain team…thumbs down. If you retire, you are no longer on any team. If you want to retire in a certain place, simply have your agent call a pressy in that city. Trade? Silly.

• I don’t think there is ANY color on the Marlins jerseys. Those things are dreadful.

• Why would Izzo even think about it? Blows my mind.

• Did anyone actually see that Patrick Kane goal live and not instantaneously have some question in their mind as to what actually happened?

Thanks buddy. I’m sure only 3 or 4 of us actually got the references, but they were great. Next week the musings will be uni-related, right?

~~~~~~~~~~

And on that note, we’re going to put a nice fat bow on this tiny post. Enjoy the interplague and the World Cup everyone. USA! USA! USA! (sorry Brits). Game starts at 2:30 pm EDT on ABC. Everyone have a great Saturday!

~~~

Interleague play? Don’t like it. They only have it because of two teams [the New York Mets and the New York Yankees]. It’s all about the money. — Carl Everett

How the heck are the Titans and Bengals on the worst combination list and the neon Snothawks aren’t? The Bengals should wear orange and black, that combo looks better than the white pants they normally wear.

[quote comment=”394024″]
– Did anyone actually see that Patrick Kane goal live and not instantaneously have some question in their mind as to what actually happened?
[/quote]
I’m pretty sure Kane’s the ONLY one who did not have any question in his mind as to what happened.

My son had fallen asleep during the third intermission and we decided that if the Hawks won, we’d just rewind the DVR to shortly before the winning goal, wake him and act as though it was happening live. Even when the team was celebrating on the ice and I saw that none of the Philly players nor anyone on their bench was arguing, I still had to wait a few more minutes to be absolutely certain, much to my wife’s chagrin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congrats on the HBIC win. Man, it must suck to barely miss the cut like that James H. dude.

[quote comment=”394030″]BTW the way to the genius/mental patient that is Carl Everett: I believe Cubs/White Sox is a pretty big rivalry. One which predates Yankees v. Mets. Idiot.[/quote]
Yeah, you’d think that Carl would understand that, considering that he actually played for the Sox…. uh, the Sox.

Paul G|
June 12, 2010 at 9:12 am |

i follow the orioles, and they always wear black on friday (home and away).

Ricko|
June 12, 2010 at 9:21 am |

[quote comment=”394030″]Agreed – the interleague play scheduling is awful. However, the need to create rivalries where none exist is a function of a necessarily retarded mindset. MLB needs restructuring & that’s that.

BTW the way to the genius/mental patient that is Carl Everett: I believe Cubs/White Sox is a pretty big rivalry. One which predates Yankees v. Mets. Idiot.[/quote]

Not to be Carl Everett’s defender but he didn’t use the word “rivalry” at all. Wasn’t even bringing up the subect; wasn’t dissing anyone else. Sounds to me like his point was that if New York wants something, everyone else has to go along with it. See: First outdoor Super Bowl in a cold weather city.

Yeah, it’s because of 9/11 and all. Right, and if that attack had been in Milwaukee they’d be playing a Super Bowl in Green Bay. Puh-leeze.

If you have a lot of money and whine enough, eventually you get what you want. I know. I dated a woman like that for almost three years, and she played her ex-husband like a violin. :)

—Ricko

scott|
June 12, 2010 at 9:23 am |

Great project by Jerry. The uniforms worn in games are just as important as the box scores and play-by-play accounts, and hopefully some day we’ll see your work incorporated into the baseball-reference database.

Interplague should just go away already. It helped to destroy the allure of the All-Star Game and has diminished the World Series to being no better than the championships for other sports. I think I’ll stick to the College World Series for the next few weeks.

[quote comment=”394028″]How the heck are the Titans and Bengals on the worst combination list and the neon Snothawks aren’t? The Bengals should wear orange and black, that combo looks better than the white pants they normally wear.

/freaks[/quote]
Are you kidding? The Bengals look like an Arena League team with that combo. In fact, that’s usually my attitude with any of the combos that feature anything beside white, gold or silver pants with the dark jersey.

just to let everyone know…two people have volunteered to provide the world cup 4 & 1 (apparently there are only five games between yesterday and today)…

so you’re spared from my ranking the soccer unis

The Jeff|
June 12, 2010 at 9:54 am |

[quote comment=”394035″]
Are you kidding? The Bengals look like an Arena League team with that combo. In fact, that’s usually my attitude with any of the combos that feature anything beside white, gold or silver pants with the dark jersey.[/quote]

I don’t think it’s very nice to insult the WFL by ignoring that they did that look long before the arena leagues even existed. You had teams with red on blue, green on blue, yellow on black, orange on fracking magenta… Ok so not all of those were good, but that’s beside the point.

Maybe it’s from growing up playing Tecmo Bowl and seeing every single team represented with a two color uniform, including things like Buffalo being red-blue-red or Pittsburgh as black-yellow-black… but dark pants and light jerseys doesn’t bother me a bit.

The Jeff|
June 12, 2010 at 10:02 am |

…and speaking of video games since I don’t really have anywhere else to post it…

DUH, how did we forget this atrocious combo? It’s not a bad home uniform, but it has the fugly road cap and the wrong color socks. Worst of all, a minor leaguer is wearing it.

Ryan B|
June 12, 2010 at 10:08 am |

[quote comment=”394026″]O’s wear black alts on Fri night home games. Also, BoSox did not wear alt cap to go with alt jersey.[/quote]
That’s becoming the norm rather than the exception for the Red Sox. The alt cap’s only been worn twice this season (both early-season losses), so it’s a safe bet it’s gonzo. Which is fine with me, because I’ve never been a fan of it.

jesse|
June 12, 2010 at 10:15 am |

[quote comment=”394041″][quote comment=”394026″]O’s wear black alts on Fri night home games. Also, BoSox did not wear alt cap to go with alt jersey.[/quote]
That’s becoming the norm rather than the exception for the Red Sox. The alt cap’s only been worn twice this season (both early-season losses), so it’s a safe bet it’s gonzo. Which is fine with me, because I’ve never been a fan of it.[/quote]
Thanks for the heads up, didn’t know that.

pru|
June 12, 2010 at 11:02 am |

Was watching UCLA vs. CS Fullerton baseball last night and noticed both teams sporting ‘rups. One problem though was Fullerton wearing white sanis even though their unis were gray with blue pin stripes. Looked incredibly bad IMO. (Sorry, not adept enough for screen shots)

Another note as I was listening to the Cubs/White Sux game yesterday: When describing the unis for the Sux Pat Hughes said: “…gray pants with a black and white stripe down the side, and even though you cant seem them on many of today’s players the White Sox are wearing black socks.”

Ricardo Leonor|
June 12, 2010 at 11:14 am |

If you decide to watch USA v Englad today, watch it on Univision instead of ESPN.

Even if you cant understand a word of Spanish, it will be a lot more entertaining than those that boring clipped English drone on ESPN…

So, pru, let me get this straight. With that Titans uni, it’s the sanis you have a problem with?

=bg=|
June 12, 2010 at 11:25 am |

Nice feature, but disagree with the inclusion of the Giants.

The orange jerseys actually look cool. And the ‘creme’ is so mild, it’s not a clash. It’s not some deep rich color, certainly less noticeable than the Padres awful ‘sand’ look or whatever that is.

Terry Proctor|
June 12, 2010 at 11:36 am |

I personally like the Chicago Stags look of Red jersey/Royal pants. But this is because my high school wore Orange jerseys with Royal shorts from 1943 until 1975 when they switched to all-Orange. The two-tone effect was classic and became our “signature.” Two-tone uniforms look a lot better in basketball than they do for other sports.

scott|
June 12, 2010 at 11:37 am |

Fullerton looks great in the gray pinstripes. Why is there a problem with the white sanis? That’s how baseball teams always looked, whether wearing home whites or road grays.

[quote comment=”394049″]I personally like the Chicago Stags look of Red jersey/Royal pants. But this is because my high school wore Orange jerseys with Royal shorts from 1943 until 1975 when they switched to all-Orange. The two-tone effect was classic and became our “signature.” Two-tone uniforms look a lot better in basketball than they do for other sports.[/quote]
The Stags looked OK. The Bulls dressed as the Stags? Not so much

I will disagree with you that two-tone works better in basketball than other sports. I think the two-tone look works best in hockey.

LI Phil|
June 12, 2010 at 11:46 am |

[quote comment=”394051″] I think the two-tone look works best in hockey.[/quote]

In slamming Everett I was guilty of also referencing Phil’s mention of natural rivals w/ regard to Interleague match-ups. Which btw, the Chi teams certainly are. However, if somebody would like to give me the gate for all the IL games they’ve played so far in Chicago, I’ll be sure to send you all a nice postcard from my own private island. And you can all $plit up NYY/NYM.

It’s a good thing the Carl Everett quote wasn’t about dinosaurs. . ..

Jonathan Brent|
June 12, 2010 at 11:56 am |

Good to see the great state of TN is well represented…. I would KILL for the Titans to wear light blue/white pants it would look sooooooooooo much better than the navy hose…

[quote comment=”394052″][quote comment=”394051″] I think the two-tone look works best in hockey.[/quote]

especially when one of those tones is a white sweater (at home)[/quote]
Well, yeah. Although sometimes white on the road looks pretty good to me as well.

But I really was talking about when one of the colors is not white.

Luke|
June 12, 2010 at 12:07 pm |

Definitely disagree with some of these combos. Giants and Buccos look great to me despite not being “traditional”.

I’m slightly bothered by color on color but I can’t complain about the Titans combo.

Oakville Endive|
June 12, 2010 at 12:18 pm |

Per the Toronto Star – The Toronto Maple Leafs will be introducing their new unis on Monday. Just tweaking (additional piping) – but if I was to guess – and this is not what’s expected here – they’ll adopt the striping they had in the late 60″s – very similar to today’s Phoenix Coyotes.

[quote comment=”394051″][quote comment=”394049″]I personally like the Chicago Stags look of Red jersey/Royal pants. But this is because my high school wore Orange jerseys with Royal shorts from 1943 until 1975 when they switched to all-Orange. The two-tone effect was classic and became our “signature.” Two-tone uniforms look a lot better in basketball than they do for other sports.[/quote]
The Stags looked OK. The Bulls dressed as the Stags? Not so much

I will disagree with you that two-tone works better in basketball than other sports. I think the two-tone look works best in hockey.[/quote]
I’m not sure I know why the Chicago Bulls/Stags (or Washington Wizards gold/black) are even included in the “worst combo” poll. There’s no mixing or matching. THAT’S THE OUTFIT. Just like the Yankees, Tigers, or Cardinals. Bad outfit? Arguably. (I’d say yes.) Bad combo? Well, only if it’s the worst of a one-choice lot.

Oakville Endive|
June 12, 2010 at 12:27 pm |

While I don’t think a school like Tennessee – should be doing anything but wear their standard colours – in general I think that look would be interesting – if instead of black – it was a “rich” brown colour – and their helmet was also brown – and off course some brown striping on the pants

concealed78|
June 12, 2010 at 12:50 pm |

I would have put an “all of the above” option on the poll. “interplague” – nice. Take the bat out of the DH’s hands, will ya you bums! 14 years of this. The novelty has worn off. They actually have a cup for this crap now in Chicago, and it’s sponsored by BP!

[quote comment=”394057″]Per the Toronto Star – The Toronto Maple Leafs will be introducing their new unis on Monday.

Just tweaking (additional piping) – but if I was to guess – and this is not what’s expected here – they’ll adopt the striping they had in the late 60″s – very similar to today’s Phoenix Coyotes.[/quote]
Paul had a link to a pic of what the jerseys are supposed to look like in the ticker the other day and Icethetics had a pic a week earlier that shows pretty much the same design, sans lace-up collar.

I like the baseball unis of my alma mater (Cal State Fullerton). It’s much nicer than some of the other things one sees on the college circuit. I like the colors; I like pins on grays. I think it’s a very nice, somewhat traditional look. They really haven’t changed much since I went there (Mark Kotsay was our star closer and CF).

LarryB|
June 12, 2010 at 1:15 pm |

I voted for the Kings, Pirates and Wizards. Sure were some bad looking combos over the years.

I’ve still got a few more to do, and I’m still throwing way too many interceptions in the game, but I just love that a football game finally has a logo creator that works this well.[/quote]

wow those are actually really well done, ive been thinking about picking that game up, finally some competition for madden (which i havent bought since 04).

PaHockeyDad|
June 12, 2010 at 1:56 pm |

[quote comment=”394061″][quote comment=”394057″]Per the Toronto Star – The Toronto Maple Leafs will be introducing their new unis on Monday.

Just tweaking (additional piping) – but if I was to guess – and this is not what’s expected here – they’ll adopt the striping they had in the late 60″s – very similar to today’s Phoenix Coyotes.[/quote]
Paul had a link to a pic of what the jerseys are supposed to look like in the ticker the other day and Icethetics had a pic a week earlier that shows pretty much the same design, sans lace-up collar.[/quote]
I think the tweak looks good. It reminds me of the 70’s look, which I enjoyed. Still wish they had nnob.

[quote comment=”394061″][quote comment=”394057″]Per the Toronto Star – The Toronto Maple Leafs will be introducing their new unis on Monday.

Just tweaking (additional piping) – but if I was to guess – and this is not what’s expected here – they’ll adopt the striping they had in the late 60″s – very similar to today’s Phoenix Coyotes.[/quote]
Paul had a link to a pic of what the jerseys are supposed to look like in the ticker the other day and Icethetics had a pic a week earlier that shows pretty much the same design, sans lace-up collar.[/quote]
In case the Leafs still need a shoulder patch possibility to ponder, I whipped this up in ten seconds.

There was a blurb yesterday about the Mets dropping their two-tone caps into a box at the end of Niese’s one-hitter the other night at Citi/Shea. I noticed that too, and I figured it was one of two things: (a.) either they’re saving the caps to commemorate what they wore during Niese’s gem, or, (b.) more likely, they were packing them for the road trip.

See, here’s where the complete and utter stupidity of this organization is further revealed. Not only do they continue to be the only team in the majors (among those with separate home & road caps) to EVER wear the road cap at home (although, mercifully, they’re doing it less this year and it no longer appears to be the de facto home cap), in doing so they create the need for this needless and inefficient ritual.

See, a normal organization that was smart and well-run would have as much of its road gear packed and ready to go by the time the game ended, to minimize the time and effort needed to pack and load up for a road trip. As such, a smart and well-run organization that happened to have separate home and road caps would have the luxury of being able to pack the road uniforms and caps well in advance, since they have separate uniforms and caps to wear during the game. (It doesn’t seem like much, but in business, even small inefficiencies count.)

Of course, no one should mention this to the Mets organization, because being the dumb and poorly-run organization that they are, they might become tempted to go back to wearing the road cap as the de facto home cap, and only wear the home cap in the last game before a road trip to solve the packing problem.

So, pru, let me get this straight. With that Titans uni, it’s the sanis you have a problem with?[/quote]

I could do without the orange drop shadow, but other than that I like Fullerton’s unis. I just don’t think the white sanis with gray unis are a good look. It may be beause some of the players had very high ‘rups that showed a lot of white.

One other change I would make for CSF would be to remove the swoosh from the back of the hats. I’m not as anti-Nike as some, but for some reason I dont like it there. Can’t describe it because I dont mind teams with TPX on the back of their hats.

mtjaws|
June 12, 2010 at 3:34 pm |

-I enjoyed voting in the poll, but there were too many worthy of my vote! I voted Suns, KSU, and Vols though.

-I enjoy Interleague because I get to see AL teams that I never see during the season. This season, I’ll get to see Texas, Balt, White Sox, and Rays play the Marlins, and I enjoy the variety. Over several years, I see everyone from the AL. One gets sick of seeing the Mets and Phillies too often. And, while some teams have a natural rival, it’s ok if others don’t. Just keep rotating opponents, and it adds variety to the season.

Brian Smith|
June 12, 2010 at 3:53 pm |

Random kit SNAFU in the US-England World Cup game. England #2 Glen Johnson is wearing his number on the side directly below the Umbro logo. #4 Steven Gerrard, #8 Frank Lampard (and maybe others) wear theirs directly in the centre of his shirt.

Another note as I was listening to the Cubs/White Sux game yesterday: When describing the unis for the Sux Pat Hughes said: “…gray pants with a black and white stripe down the side, and even though you cant seem them on many of today’s players the White Sox are wearing black socks.”[/quote]

The replay is on at the moment on ESPNU, and yes, it seems that both teams are wearing high socks with stirrups. I hope alot of players from both teams make it to the majors! Anyway, white sanis are the norm. I don’t think any team would consider grey sanis just because they’re wearing grey road uni’s.

And I voted for the Rockies. I don’t care if they wear them over white pants or grey, I just think the black vests with black undershirt sleeves are the stupidest idea ever. Why not just wear a black jersey WITH sleeves?

NotJustin53|
June 12, 2010 at 4:57 pm |

I respect your opinion, but I disagree. I like interleague play. Seeing guys from the other league play against your team is pretty cool. I don’t really care if it’s a gimmick or not. Basically, it’s here to stay and if you don’t like it, you’re pretty much gonna have to get used to it.

However, I do agree with you on the interleague unis: bad, bad, bad…

(And I like the Giants’ orange tops. If you must know, I voted for the atrocious Rockies black vests/purple sleeves/pinstripe pants combo. Yikes)

Dan|
June 12, 2010 at 4:58 pm |

Has there ever been any explanation for the Astros’ forgetting they have a gray uni?

I know it’s usually the choice of the starting pitcher or whatever, but jeez, this is almost as bad as when they used to wear “off white” road unis.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind if they replaced the brick with orange. It would at least differentiate them from the D-Backs.

buckeyebrain|
June 12, 2010 at 4:59 pm |

So I’m watching a random hockey game on NHL Network: Leafs-Devils from 1982, and I notice a couple of rainbow stickers on the back of Borje Salming’s helmet. Anybody know what that was about?

[quote comment=”394084″]Has there ever been any explanation for the Astros’ forgetting they have a gray uni?

I know it’s usually the choice of the starting pitcher or whatever, but jeez, this is almost as bad as when they used to wear “off white” road unis.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind if they replaced the brick with orange. It would at least differentiate them from the D-Backs.[/quote]
Only thing I’ve heard is that it’s purely owner Drayton McLane’s preference. He likes the red tops more than the gray.

Don|
June 12, 2010 at 5:23 pm |

I feel dumber for having read that Interleague article. There\’s nothing wrong with interleague, the MLB is all one entity anyway, get over it already.

Interleague is as pointless an argument as the BFBS one.

dennis|
June 12, 2010 at 5:34 pm |

boy, I love Uniwatch, but please get rid of “Benchies”. A comic strip about middle aged losers whose best years are behind them is not why I read this blog. Mullet wearing, washed up divorced barflys are sad and pathetic.Not entertaining.

LI Phil|
June 12, 2010 at 5:55 pm |

[quote comment=”394089″]I feel dumber for having read that Interleague article.[/quote]

it takes a big man to admit that

but since you brought it up, care to extol it’s virtues?

StLMarty|
June 12, 2010 at 6:01 pm |

Dearest JTH,
I recently perused old comments out of simple boredom. I read a comment I had missed regarding a Wilco show you had recently attended. You continued to stand in favor of Pearl Jam, despite the musings of Belleville boy, Jeff Tweedy.
Nevermind all of that. I would like to congratulate you and your hometown Blackhawks for doing what my (and Jeff T’s) hometown Blues cannot.
I actually found myself rooting for the Hawks. That would not have happened in the 80’s or 90’s.
Sincerely,
StLMarty (formerly Hibbsy)

StLMarty|
June 12, 2010 at 6:07 pm |

[quote comment=”394089″]I feel dumber for having read that Interleague article. There\’s nothing wrong with interleague, the MLB is all one entity anyway, get over it already.

Interleague is as pointless an argument as the BFBS one.[/quote]
There is quite a bit wrong with it. It’s possible to do it correctly, but they are no where near it.
And fuck off for calling anyone’s opinion “pointless”. Do you not enjoy having points?

I’ll chime in, because I don’t hate it, but I do have issues (the biggest being the loss of games vs other NL teams, as mentioned.)

#1 The geographical rivalries. Mets/Yanks, Cubs/Sox, Dodgers/Angels, Marlins/Rays, Texases/Stros, Nats/O’s, A’s/Giants. All great for fans of both teams, especially for poor teams who won’t play a particularly meaningful game all year.

#2 Exposure. When it was first proposed the idea that NL teams could finally see Griffey Jr, or that the Red Sox, Cubs, Yankees would finally play in cities their fans had never seen them play in.

#3 Monotony. I luv, love, LOVE baseball, and relish the presence of it every summer. But 162 games gets long for even the most uber of fans.

That’s without thinking about the issue too long.

But I agree, the Mets playing the Tigers 6 times, while the Cubs, Cards and Dodgers (who they are fighting directly against) only come to town once is stupid.

JeffVan|
June 12, 2010 at 6:27 pm |

Along the same lines of variety in seeing different teams in the course of a 162 game season, and I support interleague play, I also like the colored jerseys. Wouldn’t it be dull to go gray vs white every stinking night? Why is it a good idea in football (do it as much as you want there, too, love UCLA vs USC), isn’t it good in baseball too? Spice it up a bit.

[quote comment=”394095″]Along the same lines of variety in seeing different teams in the course of a 162 game season, and I support interleague play, I also like the colored jerseys. Wouldn’t it be dull to go gray vs white every stinking night? Why is it a good idea in football (do it as much as you want there, too, love UCLA vs USC), isn’t it good in baseball too? Spice it up a bit.[/quote]

I think a better idea would be doing more with sleeves and sox (or :gasp: monotone) than with mismatched tops/pants.

Oh yeah, their was a soccer match today too… Probably the most tense I’ve ever been for a US Nat’l match, I’ve been comparably pumped for Arsenal matches before. The transoceanic trash talking with buddies was at a fevered pitch.

I’ll take the 1 point because it helps the team advance, but no one can make me like it.

Uni notes:
Love the England jersey, the font they use for the numbers is gorgeous.

The US change kit has grown on me. The contrast between the sharp white/red and the blue w sash looked great.

[quote comment=”394029″][quote comment=”394024″]
– Did anyone actually see that Patrick Kane goal live and not instantaneously have some question in their mind as to what actually happened?
[/quote]
I’m pretty sure Kane’s the ONLY one who did not have any question in his mind as to what happened.

My son had fallen asleep during the third intermission and we decided that if the Hawks won, we’d just rewind the DVR to shortly before the winning goal, wake him and act as though it was happening live. Even when the team was celebrating on the ice and I saw that none of the Philly players nor anyone on their bench was arguing, I still had to wait a few more minutes to be absolutely certain, much to my wife’s chagrin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congrats on the HBIC win. Man, it must suck to barely miss the cut like that James H. dude.

What?[/quote]
As I told Teebz, there is not a rink withing 150 miles of my house. For me to win a Canadian hockey pool shows that anyone, including Phil, has a chance. BTW, I chose the Buffa Slug jersey. Yeah, it would really suck to be that James H. dude. He probably never watches hockey anyway. BTW, how did you do JTH?

Next week’s musings will present a more unirelevant lineup. One with some pretty pictures. Stay tuned.

[quote comment=”394092″]Dearest JTH,
I recently perused old comments out of simple boredom. I read a comment I had missed regarding a Wilco show you had recently attended. You continued to stand in favor of Pearl Jam, despite the musings of Belleville boy, Jeff Tweedy.
Nevermind all of that. I would like to congratulate you and your hometown Blackhawks for doing what my (and Jeff T’s) hometown Blues cannot.
I actually found myself rooting for the Hawks. That would not have happened in the 80’s or 90’s.
Sincerely,
StLMarty (formerly Hibbsy)[/quote]
Ha! I remember that. What was that, like 6 months ago? I think I posted that when I got home from the show and I was half in the bag. Or maybe three-quarters.

And I know Red Wings fans who were pulling for the Hawks. I guess it’s just hard to hate a team that spent most of the last decade as an afterthought.

[quote comment=”394098″]
As I told Teebz, there is not a rink withing 150 miles of my house. For me to win a Canadian hockey pool shows that anyone, including Phil, has a chance. BTW, I chose the Buffa Slug jersey. Yeah, it would really suck to be that James H. dude. He probably never watches hockey anyway. BTW, how did you do JTH?
[/quote]
Yeah, I picked everything correctly, but Teebz said I was disqualified for winning the thing last year.

Or something.

Ricko|
June 12, 2010 at 7:02 pm |

Ben Fortney said…

“But I agree, the Mets playing the Tigers 6 times, while the Cubs, Cards and Dodgers (who they are fighting directly against) only come to town once is stupid.”

Yup, that’s an entirely valid (and under the current circumstances possibly unsolvable) issue, Despite that, on balance interleague play is kinda fun.

Beyond the already-mentioned aspects such as getting to see other teams and players, etc., it also does create a little extra buzz around MLB every year. Even for those AL teams lucky to draw the Astros this year.

—Ricko

Ricko|
June 12, 2010 at 7:05 pm |

[quote comment=”394101″][quote comment=”394098″]
As I told Teebz, there is not a rink withing 150 miles of my house. For me to win a Canadian hockey pool shows that anyone, including Phil, has a chance. BTW, I chose the Buffa Slug jersey. Yeah, it would really suck to be that James H. dude. He probably never watches hockey anyway. BTW, how did you do JTH?
[/quote]
Yeah, I picked everything correctly, but Teebz said I was disqualified for winning the thing last year.

Or something.[/quote]

Ah, sorta like when the Big Ten wouldn’t allow teams to go the Rose Bowl in consecutive years.

Oh, wait, wasn’t that how Indiana…

—Ricko

LI Phil|
June 12, 2010 at 7:08 pm |

[quote comment=”394090″]boy, I love Uniwatch, but please get rid of “Benchies”. A comic strip about middle aged losers whose best years are behind them is not why I read this blog. Mullet wearing, washed up divorced barflys are sad and pathetic.Not entertaining.[/quote]

here’s a thought:

don’t read then

here’s another thought…keep in mind just exactly who you’re criticizing — you’re entitled to your opinion, of course, but the readers of this blog, myself especially, owe much to ricko’s herculean efforts on behalf of all uni-watchery

and unless you have something productive to contribute, i’d suggest you keep your opinions where they belong

Ricardo Leonor|
June 12, 2010 at 7:11 pm |

I am not feeling that white diagonal stripe on the US Jersey.

Here is an idea to make soccer more interesting for us Gringos….if the game is tied after 90 minutes….play an extra 30 minutes with both teams “pulling their goalies” and see what happens!

jesse|
June 12, 2010 at 7:19 pm |

Nats@Indians has both clubs in throwbacks, not sure why. Unis look early 1900’s.The Nats are Majestic produced, and it looks like we have some stirruppin’. Wearing their respective batting helmets. Sorry, no screen shots. Looks nice though. Especially the Nats/Sens caps, suh-weet.

Drew Smith|
June 12, 2010 at 7:24 pm |

Saw this on a blog. Could the STL Cardinals be changing their traditional look up?

[quote comment=”394107″]Nats@Indians has both clubs in throwbacks, not sure why. Unis look early 1900’s.The Nats are Majestic produced, and it looks like we have some stirruppin’. Wearing their respective batting helmets. Sorry, no screen shots. Looks nice though. Especially the Nats/Sens caps, suh-weet.[/quote]

The Nats should embrace their real past – and wear the Expos originals for one game and honour Carter, Dawson and Raines

concealed78|
June 12, 2010 at 7:42 pm |

[quote comment=”394083″]Basically, it’s here to stay and if you don’t like it, you’re pretty much gonna have to get used to it. [/quote]

Maybe if the next commissioner has some balls, they’ll restore some integrity to the game and get rid of it, along with some other stupid things Selig put into the game. And I don’t have to get used to anything – Interleague Play is boring, it doesn’t work with uneven divisions, leagues, unbalanced schedule & Natural Rivals and a Wild Card, and a completely random I.P. schedule year after year. In this day and age of cable television and Internet streaming, you can see pretty much any game going on. Besides everybody got to see the best players in the game at the All Star Game, when they actually played more than 2 or 3 innings, which is a joke today.

As a Sox fan, today’s Sox / Cubs game bored the hell out of me especially with the FOX announcing crew (if I hear Karros say “grinder” one more time, I’m throwing a brick through the TV) and I almost fell asleep. Don’t buy the hype.

[quote comment=”394101″][quote comment=”394098″]
As I told Teebz, there is not a rink withing 150 miles of my house. For me to win a Canadian hockey pool shows that anyone, including Phil, has a chance. BTW, I chose the Buffa Slug jersey. Yeah, it would really suck to be that James H. dude. He probably never watches hockey anyway. BTW, how did you do JTH?
[/quote]
Yeah, I picked everything correctly, but Teebz said I was disqualified for winning the thing last year.

Or something.[/quote]

LOL!

It’s harder to defend a title than it is to win one. ;o)

jesse|
June 12, 2010 at 7:44 pm |

Also, FWIW, Bob Nightengale is reporting via Twitter, that KC will host 2021 All Star game. Also stating Mets in ’13, Twins in ’14, and Nats in 2015.

[quote comment=”394104″][quote comment=”394090″]boy, I love Uniwatch, but please get rid of “Benchies”. A comic strip about middle aged losers whose best years are behind them is not why I read this blog. Mullet wearing, washed up divorced barflys are sad and pathetic.Not entertaining.[/quote]

here’s a thought:

don’t read then

here’s another thought…keep in mind just exactly who you’re criticizing — you’re entitled to your opinion, of course, but the readers of this blog, myself especially, owe much to ricko’s herculean efforts on behalf of all uni-watchery

and unless you have something productive to contribute, i’d suggest you keep your opinions where they belong[/quote]

I’m sure you’ve written into your local newspaper about having Doonesbury canceled as well. You haven’t? Because that’s what I closely associate Benchies to – a comic strip about middle-aged guys living the middle-aged life.

FYI – Doonesbury has been running since 1970. May Benchies live that long and longer.

concealed78|
June 12, 2010 at 7:49 pm |

[quote comment=”394111″]

The Nats should embrace their real past – and wear the Expos originals for one game and honour Carter, Dawson and Raines[/quote]

Too soon. When the Brewers, Dodgers & Rangers threwback to former teams & cities, they waited a good 20+ years. Maybe when the wounds aren’t so fresh.

concealed78|
June 12, 2010 at 8:03 pm |

[quote comment=”394073″]-I enjoyed voting in the poll, but there were too many worthy of my vote! I voted Suns, KSU, and Vols though.

-I enjoy Interleague because I get to see AL teams that I never see during the season. This season, I’ll get to see Texas, Balt, White Sox, and Rays play the Marlins, and I enjoy the variety. Over several years, I see everyone from the AL. One gets sick of seeing the Mets and Phillies too often. And, while some teams have a natural rival, it’s ok if others don’t. Just keep rotating opponents, and it adds variety to the season.[/quote]

Too many Mets / Phillies matchups? Go to a balanced schedule. That’ll fix it right up. Tho the current system was designed to put as many Red Sox / Yankees games on ESPN as possible. Playing any team 18 times a year (especially the Royals) is just too much, and fewer games would bring a bit of excitement back. Also an unbalanced schedule puts playoff teams in a slight disadvantage.

LI Phil|
June 12, 2010 at 8:33 pm |

[quote comment=”394118″]Too many Mets / Phillies matchups? [/quote]

i think he means against the marlins

and yeah, i get sick of seeing the fish 18 times a season too…and the gnats…and the fillies…and the braves

won’t get into it here, but you all know my simple solution, although it involves expanding…but 32 teams/2 leagues/8 divisions with a balanced schedule, no interplague & no wild card …

The Indians look good in their 1920 throwbacks tonight. I am guessing the band on the left arm sleeve is in honor of Ray Chapman. Anyone back me on this?

jesse|
June 12, 2010 at 8:38 pm |

[quote comment=”394120″]The Indians look good in their 1920 throwbacks tonight. I am guessing the band on the left arm sleeve is in honor of Ray Chapman. Anyone back me on this?[/quote]
Yup, you are on the money.

Gusto44|
June 12, 2010 at 8:38 pm |

[quote comment=”394117″][quote comment=”394111″]

The Nats should embrace their real past – and wear the Expos originals for one game and honour Carter, Dawson and Raines[/quote]

Too soon. When the Brewers, Dodgers & Rangers threwback to former teams & cities, they waited a good 20+ years. Maybe when the wounds aren’t so fresh.[/quote]

Never will understand the appeal of throwback uniforms to cities which have no connection with the previous cities. Have a tough time believing Ranger fans are buying up Washington Senators gear. The relationship between a sports franchise and the host city can only be forged as the hometown fans experience the history. Once that franchise relocates, that history simply cannot be transferred to fans of that new city. Why? Because they never had those experiences.

Ricko|
June 12, 2010 at 8:48 pm |

Twins in creams, Braves in grays…but with the all-navy hat. Isn’t a bad looking hat, just doesn’t follow the basic design of the uni, which is red and navy working in concert everywhere: pantlegs, belt loops, piping, sleeve-end striping, wordmark, tomahawk and numbers…then suddenly the red disappears from the hat.

I suppose if they’d always worn it with that uniform would be okay. But that’s not the case. Comes off like, “These unis go to our uni history from Boston to Milwaukee to Atlanta. Except for the hats. We decided we like Yankees-style hats better.”

Say what?

—Ricko

Gusto44|
June 12, 2010 at 9:03 pm |

[quote comment=”394123″]Twins in creams, Braves in grays…but with the all-navy hat. Isn’t a bad looking hat, just doesn’t follow the basic design of the uni, which is red and navy working in concert everywhere: pantlegs, belt loops, piping, sleeve-end striping, wordmark, tomahawk and numbers…then suddenly the red disappears from the hat.

I suppose if they’d always worn it with that uniform would be okay. But that’s not the case. Comes off like, “These unis go to our uni history from Boston to Milwaukee to Atlanta. Except for the hats. We decided we like Yankees-style hats better.”

I was confusing an old 1970 photo of Phil Niekro, was appeared to show him with a black hat and black pinstripes, with “Braves” in script. Guess those old pictures didn’t always have the true color-as mentioned on this board before.

jesse|
June 12, 2010 at 9:32 pm |

[quote comment=”394128″]Nats and Tribe in 1920 throwbacks tonight, Nats wearing what’s suppossed to be AL Nats v1.0 road grays. Block “W” on cap way too large, however.[/quote]
Saw that Majestic did the unis. Are the caps New Era? Thought the unis/caps looked sharp, agree the “W” was too big. Would love to get my hands on one of those caps.

Nats are wearing the uni of one of Senators teams?
What sense does that make?
One of those franchises is now in Minnesota, the other in Texas.

That would be like the Mariners wearing Pilots unis.
Or the Mets in Dodger or Giant gear.
Or the Brewers in Braves’.

Of course, the Nats DO have a history of goofing up even the most basic stuff when it comes to uniforms. Like, say, spelling the team nickname correctly.

—Ricko[/quote]
The 1st A.L. Washington franchise was actually called the Nationals. “Senators” was a name given to the team by the press. The 2nd A.L. Washington franchise (expansion) was actually called the Senators.

Nats are wearing the uni of one of Senators teams?
What sense does that make?
One of those franchises is now in Minnesota, the other in Texas.

That would be like the Mariners wearing Pilots unis.
Or the Mets in Dodger or Giant gear.
Or the Brewers in Braves’.

Of course, the Nats DO have a history of goofing up even the most basic stuff when it comes to uniforms. Like, say, spelling the team nickname correctly.

—Ricko[/quote]
The 1st A.L. Washington franchise was actually called the Nationals. “Senators” was a name given to the team by the press. The 2nd A.L. Washington franchise (expansion) was actually called the Senators.[/quote]

Not the point. First team was the American League Washington franchise no matter who owned it or what they called themselves (last Griffith teams had “Senators” across chest home and road for their final two or three seasons before the move to Minnesota).

Second Washington franchise, of course, is now in Texas.

Other that playing in D.C., the Nationals have no connnection whatsoever to either of those still-active franchies.

Nats are wearing the uni of one of Senators teams?
What sense does that make?
One of those franchises is now in Minnesota, the other in Texas.

That would be like the Mariners wearing Pilots unis.
Or the Mets in Dodger or Giant gear.
Or the Brewers in Braves’.

Of course, the Nats DO have a history of goofing up even the most basic stuff when it comes to uniforms. Like, say, spelling the team nickname correctly.

—Ricko[/quote]

I don’t have a problem with that. In fact, I think I’d like to see the Mets in old-time Giant or Dodger gear.

For the Nats to wear Sens gear makes more sense because the departed franchises changed their names. The second Senators took the name of the first Senators even though they played in the same league with the Twins.

Ah, way old. But still, I believe, the Griffth Senators. Twins once wore a Senators throwback even older than that. White hat with navy ring, laces at neck of collared jersey. “WASHINGTON” arched across chest.

[quote comment=”394118″][quote comment=”394073″]-I enjoyed voting in the poll, but there were too many worthy of my vote! I voted Suns, KSU, and Vols though.

-I enjoy Interleague because I get to see AL teams that I never see during the season. This season, I’ll get to see Texas, Balt, White Sox, and Rays play the Marlins, and I enjoy the variety. Over several years, I see everyone from the AL. One gets sick of seeing the Mets and Phillies too often. And, while some teams have a natural rival, it’s ok if others don’t. Just keep rotating opponents, and it adds variety to the season.[/quote]

Too many Mets / Phillies matchups? Go to a balanced schedule. That’ll fix it right up. Tho the current system was designed to put as many Red Sox / Yankees games on ESPN as possible. Playing any team 18 times a year (especially the Royals) is just too much, and fewer games would bring a bit of excitement back. Also an unbalanced schedule puts playoff teams in a slight disadvantage.[/quote]

Well, when the leagues were eight teams each, with a 154-game schedule, each team played each other team 22 times per year.

and yeah, i get sick of seeing the fish 18 times a season too…and the gnats…and the fillies…and the braves

won’t get into it here, but you all know my simple solution, although it involves expanding…but 32 teams/2 leagues/8 divisions with a balanced schedule, no interplague & no wild card …

that’s what MLB needs

the current system is shite[/quote]

I’d settle for moving the Brewers back to the AL, and having three five-team divisions in each league. There would always need to be one interleague series going on because of the odd number of teams in each league. Nine teams in each league would have to play four interleague series; six teams would have to play three interleague series each year.

Nats are wearing the uni of one of Senators teams?
What sense does that make?
One of those franchises is now in Minnesota, the other in Texas.

That would be like the Mariners wearing Pilots unis.
Or the Mets in Dodger or Giant gear.
Or the Brewers in Braves’.

Of course, the Nats DO have a history of goofing up even the most basic stuff when it comes to uniforms. Like, say, spelling the team nickname correctly.

—Ricko[/quote]
The 1st A.L. Washington franchise was actually called the Nationals. “Senators” was a name given to the team by the press. The 2nd A.L. Washington franchise (expansion) was actually called the Senators.[/quote]

Not the point. First team was the American League Washington franchise no matter who owned it or what they called themselves (last Griffith teams had “Senators” across chest home and road for their final two or three seasons before the move to Minnesota).

Second Washington franchise, of course, is now in Texas.

Other that playing in D.C., the Nationals have no connnection whatsoever to either of those still-active franchies.

—Ricko[/quote]
It might have been a good idea to keep the Expos as the Washington nickname so we wouldn’t confuse the current franchise with the previous inhabitants of Washington. Granted “Expos” is not particularly appropriate for Washington, but I like it as a reminder that there was actually a team in Montreal — and certainly a more respectable team than most of the other incarnations of the Senators/Nationals.

Nats are wearing the uni of one of Senators teams?
What sense does that make?
One of those franchises is now in Minnesota, the other in Texas.

That would be like the Mariners wearing Pilots unis.
Or the Mets in Dodger or Giant gear.
Or the Brewers in Braves’.

Of course, the Nats DO have a history of goofing up even the most basic stuff when it comes to uniforms. Like, say, spelling the team nickname correctly.

—Ricko[/quote]
The 1st A.L. Washington franchise was actually called the Nationals. “Senators” was a name given to the team by the press. The 2nd A.L. Washington franchise (expansion) was actually called the Senators.[/quote]

Not the point. First team was the American League Washington franchise no matter who owned it or what they called themselves (last Griffith teams had “Senators” across chest home and road for their final two or three seasons before the move to Minnesota).

Second Washington franchise, of course, is now in Texas.

Other that playing in D.C., the Nationals have no connnection whatsoever to either of those still-active franchies.

—Ricko[/quote]
It might have been a good idea to keep the Expos as the Washington nickname so we wouldn’t confuse the current franchise with the previous inhabitants of Washington. Granted “Expos” is not particularly appropriate for Washington, but I like it as a reminder that there was actually a team in Montreal — and certainly a more respectable team than most of the other incarnations of the Senators/Nationals.[/quote]
Fixed.

Nats are wearing the uni of one of Senators teams?
What sense does that make?
One of those franchises is now in Minnesota, the other in Texas.

That would be like the Mariners wearing Pilots unis.
Or the Mets in Dodger or Giant gear.
Or the Brewers in Braves’.

Of course, the Nats DO have a history of goofing up even the most basic stuff when it comes to uniforms. Like, say, spelling the team nickname correctly.

—Ricko[/quote]

I don’t have a problem with that. In fact, I think I’d like to see the Mets in old-time Giant or Dodger gear.

For the Nats to wear Sens gear makes more sense because the departed franchises changed their names. The second Senators took the name of the first Senators even though they played in the same league with the Twins.

Oh, I didn’t mean to sound like it was absolutely horribly wrong. Just that it seems a little shallow for a team that hasn’t been in a town very long to appropriate the history/tradition of another franchise that’s still in existence just so they could have a throwback game.

The Braves’ meeting was something of an anomaly in that the teams shared a tradition in that town and with the nickname (although it turned out kinda silly–as far as being a visual adventure—because it looked like an intrasquad game except for the letter on the hats).

I’d love see the A’s play at the Royals with one of them in Phila A’s royal and white and the other in KC A’s kelly and gold vested. That would be like the Braves situation.

And the Pilots were so short-lived that while they may have a history in Seattle, they certainly had nothing anyone could call a “tradition” established there, nothing really that went along with them to Milwaukee…except the team colors, I suppose.

Mets aren’t the Giants or the Dodgers. Although someone with the Mets DOES seem to have a man-crush on the NY Giants’ unis, and has the team headed toward wearing them.

—Ricko

Ricko|
June 12, 2010 at 10:51 pm |

Skycat mentioned…

That the problem may have been with using “Nationals” which had been used in the past. In another league, yet.

To bad “Sentinals” got used in THE REPLACEMENTS.

Combines both Senators and Nationals.

Aw, hell. the should done it anyway. Was just a movie.

Let’s look at it this way: Think the Cardinals should wear Browns throwback?

I’d say no, definitely not. That team is in Baltimore now. Hss a different name, yes, but the Cardinals weren’t the Browns. Ever.

[quote comment=”394145″]I’d settle for moving the Brewers back to the AL, and having three five-team divisions in each league. There would always need to be one interleague series going on because of the odd number of teams in each league. Nine teams in each league would have to play four interleague series; six teams would have to play three interleague series each year.[/quote]
That actually makes some sense. Interleague’s going nowhere with or without Bud Selig.

Let’s see, there are 4 crosstown or close enough rivalries (NY, LA, Chi, bay area) so that takes care of 4, plus three intrastate rivalries (Florida teams, Texas teams, Missouri teams) and then DC/Baltimore. They could all play the extra series against each other. Then I guess the ninth additional series could be rotated among the remaining 14 teams. Or am I forgetting someone?

[quote comment=”394150″][quote comment=”394145″]I’d settle for moving the Brewers back to the AL, and having three five-team divisions in each league. There would always need to be one interleague series going on because of the odd number of teams in each league. Nine teams in each league would have to play four interleague series; six teams would have to play three interleague series each year.[/quote]
That actually makes some sense. Interleague’s going nowhere with or without Bud Selig.

Let’s see, there are 4 crosstown or close enough rivalries (NY, LA, Chi, bay area) so that takes care of 4, plus three intrastate rivalries (Florida teams, Texas teams, Missouri teams) and then DC/Baltimore. They could all play the extra series against each other. Then I guess the ninth additional series could be rotated among the remaining 14 teams. Or am I forgetting someone?

[quote comment=”394150″][quote comment=”394145″]I’d settle for moving the Brewers back to the AL, and having three five-team divisions in each league. There would always need to be one interleague series going on because of the odd number of teams in each league. Nine teams in each league would have to play four interleague series; six teams would have to play three interleague series each year.[/quote]
That actually makes some sense. Interleague’s going nowhere with or without Bud Selig.

Let’s see, there are 4 crosstown or close enough rivalries (NY, LA, Chi, bay area) so that takes care of 4, plus three intrastate rivalries (Florida teams, Texas teams, Missouri teams) and then DC/Baltimore. They could all play the extra series against each other. Then I guess the ninth additional series could be rotated among the remaining 14 teams. Or am I forgetting someone?

[quote comment=”394153″][quote comment=”394150″][quote comment=”394145″]I’d settle for moving the Brewers back to the AL, and having three five-team divisions in each league. There would always need to be one interleague series going on because of the odd number of teams in each league. Nine teams in each league would have to play four interleague series; six teams would have to play three interleague series each year.[/quote]
That actually makes some sense. Interleague’s going nowhere with or without Bud Selig.

Let’s see, there are 4 crosstown or close enough rivalries (NY, LA, Chi, bay area) so that takes care of 4, plus three intrastate rivalries (Florida teams, Texas teams, Missouri teams) and then DC/Baltimore. They could all play the extra series against each other. Then I guess the ninth additional series could be rotated among the remaining 14 teams. Or am I forgetting someone?

–Rico[/quote]
Well, the whole premise here is that the Brewers move back to the AL.

And you were correct about DiMaggio.

StLMarty|
June 12, 2010 at 11:06 pm |

[quote comment=”394090″]boy, I love Uniwatch, but please get rid of “Benchies”. A comic strip about middle aged losers whose best years are behind them is not why I read this blog. Mullet wearing, washed up divorced barflys are sad and pathetic.Not entertaining.[/quote]
Say that when you are middle aged.
And barfly’s will always be more entertaining than you.

[quote comment=”394156″][quote comment=”394153″][quote comment=”394150″][quote comment=”394145″]I’d settle for moving the Brewers back to the AL, and having three five-team divisions in each league. There would always need to be one interleague series going on because of the odd number of teams in each league. Nine teams in each league would have to play four interleague series; six teams would have to play three interleague series each year.[/quote]
That actually makes some sense. Interleague’s going nowhere with or without Bud Selig.

Let’s see, there are 4 crosstown or close enough rivalries (NY, LA, Chi, bay area) so that takes care of 4, plus three intrastate rivalries (Florida teams, Texas teams, Missouri teams) and then DC/Baltimore. They could all play the extra series against each other. Then I guess the ninth additional series could be rotated among the remaining 14 teams. Or am I forgetting someone?

[quote comment=”394150″][quote comment=”394145″]I’d settle for moving the Brewers back to the AL, and having three five-team divisions in each league. There would always need to be one interleague series going on because of the odd number of teams in each league. Nine teams in each league would have to play four interleague series; six teams would have to play three interleague series each year.[/quote]
That actually makes some sense. Interleague’s going nowhere with or without Bud Selig.

Let’s see, there are 4 crosstown or close enough rivalries (NY, LA, Chi, bay area) so that takes care of 4, plus three intrastate rivalries (Florida teams, Texas teams, Missouri teams) and then DC/Baltimore. They could all play the extra series against each other. Then I guess the ninth additional series could be rotated among the remaining 14 teams. Or am I forgetting someone?

Anyway, watching A’s/Giants. Pretty good (but fairly easy) trivia question. Something along the lines of “What former A’s coach holds the longest hitting streak in Pacific Coast League history?”[/quote]
Give the other “natural rivalry” to Cleveland and Pittsburgh (close cities, would mirror Steelers and Browns) or Cincinnati (Battle of Ohio).
I’m surprised I don’t hate this concept more. Now that all the “fourth interleague series” are accounted for, the other three could be just like the NFL. Each division winner could get interleague series against all the division winners of the opposite league, each division runner-up…all the way down. Actually, I could sign off on that!

JimV19|
June 12, 2010 at 11:30 pm |

Oy, what a day. Slowly getting back up to speed.

No surprise, but I’d wear half of today’s poll list. Love the Giants orange and creams, and the two-tone hoops unis are growing on me. Only problem is, the color combos show off the poor fit of today’s unis even more.

Benchies was a gas.

Interleague? It has its place, as do colored alts. It’s just that both are abused. If you can have a balanced schedule and interleague, then I’m for it.

Get some sleep, kids. Soccer starts at 7am Eastern, 4am Pacific!

BuckeyeMark|
June 13, 2010 at 12:11 am |

I’m not a regular soccer fan but I love the WC. just greatness – the beautiful game indeed.

but I don’t get why the goalie wears some getup that is not in keeping with team colors at all. this really bothers me. anybody else? our goalie today wore ORANGE. there is not, the last time I checked any orange in our national colors or flag. why not wear red?

and what’s with orange shoes on many of our players feet? ghastly.

would really like to know more about the tradition of the goalie looking like he belongs to an entirely different team. I get that he has to stand out from the rest of the team but how about he stands out in some form of our colors?

[quote comment=”394163″]I’m not a regular soccer fan but I love the WC. just greatness – the beautiful game indeed.

but I don’t get why the goalie wears some getup that is not in keeping with team colors at all. this really bothers me. anybody else? our goalie today wore ORANGE. there is not, the last time I checked any orange in our national colors or flag. why not wear red?

and what’s with orange shoes on many of our players feet? ghastly.

would really like to know more about the tradition of the goalie looking like he belongs to an entirely different team. I get that he has to stand out from the rest of the team but how about he stands out in some form of our colors?[/quote]
The short answer: There are basically five uniforms on the pitch: Team A; Team B; Team A’s goalies; Team B’s goalies; the referees. None of the “teams” should look too similar. Now, how did the USA get orange jerseys for goalies? I think that’s just a function of USA being a Nike team. Generic goalie jersey + team badge + name and number = voila. In 2006, Fabien Barthez of France wore black. (Not red, the “unused” national color.)

That Oakland uniform is a thing of beauty. Picture is as good a representation of what a vest-type uniform should look like, rather than a jersey w/o sleeves. Ordinarily, all caps blackletter words are a no-no, but spelling out O A K L A N D was perfect. Too bad it was dumped.

That Oakland uniform is a thing of beauty. Picture is as good a representation of what a vest-type uniform should look like, rather than a jersey w/o sleeves. Ordinarily, all caps blackletter words are a no-no, but spelling out O A K L A N D was perfect. Too bad it was dumped.

That Oakland uniform is a thing of beauty. Picture is as good a representation of what a vest-type uniform should look like, rather than a jersey w/o sleeves. Ordinarily, all caps blackletter words are a no-no, but spelling out O A K L A N D was perfect. Too bad it was dumped.